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Every 7.7 seconds in North America someone turns 50 years
old. As these 80 million 'baby boomers' chronologically
advance, the question keeps getting louder. . . "is it
possible to slow down, stop, or reverse the physical aging
process?" The answer prevails on the periphery of
alternative and integrative medicine in the increasingly
popular specialty of "Longevity Medicine". Many of the now
well known complementary therapies like acupuncture, yoga,
bodywork, nutrition are intentionally utilized to address
health imbalances and prevention diseases. One of the major
side effects of these modalities (side effects aren't always
negative!) often observed is looking and feeling younger.
There are anti-aging properties in many holistic approaches
to health care .Anti-aging/longevity specialists are
surfacing in conventional and mainstream medical arenas as
the market demands more attention to this 'age old' issue
that boomers are now deciding to challenge. One popular
approach that is creating much controversy is the
prescribing and administration of the Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
or Growth Hormone (GH). The Human Growth Hormone is
naturally produced in the pituitary gland. It's normal
responsibility in the body is to influence the growth of
cells, bones, muscles, and organs throughout the body. The
secretion of GH normally peaks in the early 20's. The
production of GH falls more than 75% from age 20 to age 60.
A 60 year old may secrete 1/4 of the GH secreted by a 20
year old. The decline of GH, sometimes called "somatopause",
is considered a 'deficiency' by those who believe that the
body should maintain high levels of GH throughout life. It
is perceived that this deficiency contributes to increased
bodyfat, dry skin, loss of hair color, and decreased energy
- otherwise known as - effects of aging. Reported
possibilities with administration of GH (by ongoing
injections or oral substance) are restoration of muscle mass
and strength, decreased body fat, improved vision and
memory, and increased energy. Until the mid 1980's the
source of HGH were pituitary glands of cadavers. Now it is
being genetically engineered. HGH has historically been used
medically for GH insufficiency which is found in a condition
called Turner's Syndrome and also in Progressive Chronic
Renal Insufficiency - both of which result in short stature.
Now, GH is much more varied in it's indications for use
especially in the anti-aging industry. DHEA (dehydroepiandosterone)
is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and also
considered a steroid (although not 'anabolic' - muscle
building) and has been popular in the past few years for
it's youthful effects (although not well researched). DHEA
levels also decline around age 25. As this is considered the
'mother hormone', many attribute this decline to onsets of
aging and beginning stages of degenerative disease. DHEA
replacement is now falling back in the pack of anti-aging
forerunners. Critics say that ingesting hormones gives the
body false messages. Norman Shealy, MD, founder of the
American Holistic Medical Association, has written
extensively on DHEA. Dr. Shealy rarely recommends
supplementation as much as he advises towards natural ways
to increase DHEA levels. His current work with "The Ring of
Fire" helps to increase DHEA levels naturally in the body by
utilizing the energy meridians and acu-points. One of the
most basic and natural approaches to anti-aging is through
utilization of energy - both on a physical level and a
subtle level. On a physical level, exercise greatly
contributes to the increase in cellular oxygen. According to
Dr. William Campbell Douglass, author of Stop Aging or Slow
the Process - when cells don't get enough oxygen they
degenerate and die, and when a person doesn't get enough
oxygen they degenerate and die. Nutritional support from
whole foods greatly affects the cells ability to Utilize
oxygen and maintain the integrity of the cell. On a subtle
energetic level (atoms and sub-atomic particles - the part
of our anatomy that precedes the physical body) recognition
and implementation of mind-body therapies are reported to
change cellular physiology. According to experts with a
holistic philosophy this is where true anti-aging effects
take place. These are the invisible yet profound parts of us
- like the positive mental attitude, ability to access joy,
love, humor, and faith. Dr. Maxwell Maltz, author of
Psychocybernetics, alludes to this concept in his book. Dr.
Maltz is a Plastic surgeon who noted that 'happiness' levels
and feelings of youthfulness did not change in many
individuals whom had plastic surgery to look younger. The
message here is that eternal youth comes from within and is
reflected in the physical body. Continuous balancing of the
energy bodies (vibrational approaches as based in ancient
times and cultures) whether through yoga, acupuncture,
essential oils, sounding, or energy work, along with
physical support of these processes through exercise,
nutrition and detoxification, hold the longest track record
for anti-aging effects.
Marilee Tolen RN, HNC is board certified in Holistic
Nursing through the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA)
and is former Northeast Regional Director For AHNA. Marilee
is a graduate of the Brennan School of Healing Science, has
completed Intuition Training with Caroline Myss, PhD and
Norman Shealy MD, and is a certified Healing Touch
Instructor. She is certified as a Colon Hydrotherapist and
has had several years of practice in her Wellness Center.
Marilee now teaches people how to access cleansing measures
in the privacy of their own home. Her work as 'Home
Spa Lady' teaches people how to make every day a cleansing
and spa day! |
